Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

ASABIA

(b Eugenia Asabia Cropper, '57, Ghana) Singer, saxophonist. Born into musical family; at 18 sang with her elder brother in groups in and around Accra. Sessioned with Ghanian musicians working in Togo; audience response convinced her to turn pro. Returned to Accra, joined the Sweet Talks, a leading Ghanian band of mid-'70s, sang with them for two years; established contacts while touring and when contract ran out joined the Black Hustlers, went with them to Ivory Coast, was spotted and signed by Ivorian label Disco Stock. Polished act and selected material for two years; debut LP Wamaya early '80s inspired by Ko Nimo, incl. brother Sammy Cropper on guitar: "refined highlife' LP later on American Makossa label became one of the most sought-after records in Africa. Later lived in Abidjan, in demand as live act; had toured Germany but prefered staying close to her roots.